'How to Read Oceanic Art'

IIn "How to Read Oceanic Art" the Metropolitan Museum of Art's former curator of Oceanic Art Eric Kjellgren showcases 42 objects from islands like New Guinea and Micronesia and describes how to interpret their imagery.

Originally part of a massive house post, this wooden carving from New Guinea represents a supernatural being from the early creation period. Scholars think it could either depict a human wearing a mask or the being itself.

On the island of Leti in eastern Indonesia, figures like these represented the spirit of someone who had recently died. People kept these sculptures in their houses so they could ask their advice and consult them on major decisions.

This ceremonial textile from Sumatra was used during ceremonies, as wraps for food offerings or gifts at weddings. They're often called 'ship cloths' because many show stylized ships that carried trading goods, like pepper, from the island.